Using motor imagery to improve gait and balance in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Investigation of the Effect of Motor Imagery on Gait and Balance Functions in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
This study tests if using mental imagery can help boys aged 5 to 12 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy improve their walking and balance better than regular physical therapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Halic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT05601986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of motor imagery on gait and balance functions in children diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Participants, boys aged 5 to 12 who can still walk independently, will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard physiotherapy or an experimental group that includes additional motor imagery training. The aim is to determine if visualizing movements can enhance physical therapy outcomes for these children. The study is conducted at Biruni University in Istanbul, Turkey.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are boys aged 5 to 12 with a physician-confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who can ambulate independently.
Not a fit: Patients who have severe contractures or are unable to walk independently will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve gait and balance in children with DMD, enhancing their mobility and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While motor imagery has shown promise in other conditions, this specific application in DMD is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a physician-prescribed diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy * Not having any injury or surgical operation in the last 6 months * Being between Levels 1-5 (children who continue to ambulate independently) according to - Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Modified Mini-Mental Test score \>27 * Having the level of cooperation to follow the physiotherapist's instructions * Volunteering to participate in research Exclusion Criteria: * Having severe contractures that interfere with functional activities * Level 6-10 (children not capable of independent ambulation) according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification * To receive applications in addition to the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program or different from the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Biruni University — Istanbul, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gülsena Utku Umut
- Email: gulsenautku@halic.edu.tr
- Phone: +905370664646
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.